HOUR Grant Applicant Guidelines

HOUR Grant Guidelines

The HOUR Exchange makes two kinds of grants. First, community groups may apply for HOUR grants of up to 20 HOURS for work that benefits the community.  Second, individuals or families may receive 3-HOUR grants for organizing neighborhood events, which help build community and encourage new member sign-ups.

Guidelines for Groups

1. The organization or community group must be non-profit.  For organizations that provide goods or services, priority will be given to those who accept HOURS (for at least partial payment).  For organizations that do not provide goods or services, priority will be given to those that accept membership dues in HOURS or provide their constituency information about HOURS.
2. To apply submit a brief proposal stating the organizations mission, summary of the group’s work, the amount requested, describe how they would spend a HOUR grant, and provide a project budget. Applicants should use the Grant Application as an outline to provide all pertinent information.
3. If the grant is approved, the group must submit a written narrative of how the grant was used.  The group is asked to spend the HOURS within six months or to return them.

Please use the Grant Application to apply for a grant of HOURS. The number of HOURS issued for grants are limited to 10% over and above that issued for sign-ups.  Decisions on grants are made at Board of Trustees meetings.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for a decision.  Members with a conflict of interest with certain projects are required to abstain from final decision-making on those grants.  Groups are only eligible to receive one grant per year.

Guidelines for individuals

1. Individuals must be HOUR Exchange members.
2. To apply, submit a letter describing your neighborhood event.  How will you publicize it?  What activities will occur?  Where and when is the event?  How many people do you expect to come? Applicants should use the Grant Application as an outline and provide as much pertinent information as possible.
3. The host must introduce HOURS and have newsletters available for neighbors to sign-up.
4. Finally, the individual must submit a report on the event in a short letter and send in any new sign ups.

Most individuals that carry through with the event will receive the grant.  However, if there is a question as to whether the guidelines have been met someone will contact the applicant for further details. Individuals may only receive one grant per year.

These guidelines are subject to change and should be reviewed and updated once a year, or as necessary to reflect the current priorities of the community and respond to the growing membership.

v.5

4/2007